Whatnot & Whatnot

Tyler

2012-01-23T11:22:00.001-08:00

Some days you remember your brother has a blog and you stumble upon it and read posts and stuff. I did that today and was reminded how very, very proud of him I am.

Quote of the Day

2012-01-08T10:24:00.001-08:00

"The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief—But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love."

My Picture Wall

2011-12-31T08:34:00.000-08:00

People do not understand, I think, the power of photographs. Below, I have the beginnings of my picture wall. I have pasted favorite photos of those I love on my bedroom wall so that I can remember to pray for these people and so that I can remember how wonderful they are. I haven't finished it yet but it's rather nice so far, I think.

Love

2011-12-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

Love is sacrifice.
Love is doing what is right, no matter what.
Love is caring.
Love is showing kindness.
Love is selflessness.
Love is an active choice, repeating itself over and over again. Choosing to actively and consciously pursue health in relationship.
Love is doing what is necessary even if it sucks.
Love is for family.
Love is for friends.
Love is for enemies.
Love is for all people.
We must love out obedience.
We must love out of a love of love.
We love God, therefore we love people.
We love people because we love God.
We love God because He loves us.
We love for love's sake and God is love.
We love for God's sake and love is God's nature condensed into one word.
Love.
........................................Love.
It is our job.

"This is my commandment that you love one another, that your joy may be full."

Early Mother's Day Wish

2011-12-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

PARTY!!!

2011-10-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

........A Really Random Ramble

2011-10-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I accidentally ripped some skin off my toe (I know. It's disgusting. Blah blah blah.)
And it was fine, or so I THOUGHT!
But a couple of days ago I realized it was infected so I washed it and neosporin-ed it and bandaged it up.
But it still hurt like heck alllll day.
And I was hurting anyways.
So I was basically limping around the back room all day, unpacking 40 boxes that were all full of at least 6 little boxes that were full of tons of over-priced crap.
I got so bored and had nothing to focus on except shipping tape, cardboard, and pain that I started wondering what would happen if I got Staph infection in my foot.
Since it's the same foot n' all, since that last time when I was 13 and had surgery on it.
So I was wondering what would happen if it started out as staph but turned into the flesh eating infection, bacteria disease.
And then I was like, "Of course! I'd get emergency surgery and have my leg amputated!"
So then I was thinking about how that would play out and thinking about how calm I would be about it until after the fact.
And how I might respond while I was on drugs after surgery because of the pain and was thinking that being loopy...
I would probably think that they threw my leg in a dumpster somewhere and a canibal, homeless man dug it out and was eating it.
And he would be like, "Mm! Dinner!"
But of course I would only think that while I was souped up on meds.
And dad would video tape of course because I'd ask him too.
And before the surgery I was thinking about all the logistics of notifying people about the emergency and what was going on n' stuff.
And how Mom would be more scared than I would be.
And how Dad would get all huffy and freaked out, unlike his normal self.
Like last time I had surgery.
And....then I made sure that I told Dad to call two of my friends personally so that those two didn't get forgotten about.
Cuz there's nothing like getting the phone call the next day, "Oh, by the way, your friend only has one leg now."
And i was thinking about how I wouldn’t be able to dance no more.
But I could get good at crutches.
And then I was thinking that, to make light of the situation, I would joke around and say that I reached my goal weight in less than 24 hours because of the surgery and legs are heavy n' stuff.
And....I think that was mostly all of it.
There were more details.
But that's where my brain was dwelling for three hours.
So I wasn't really bored at work.

Today's Theme: Being a Soldier

2011-10-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

"O God! Here I am. Have You been waiting for me? I've come to enlist...I've come to be Your soldier for ever and ever. Will You please keep me always? I never want to go back from being Your soldier. Make me fight a grand fight, and help me to hold Your colours up well... Help me to be...a grand soldier for Jesus, my King and Saviour. Amen." - Teddy's Button

Woman, born deaf, hears her own voice for the first time

2011-10-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

This lady is 29 years old. After receiving hearing insert, she can finally hear audio for the first time. Watch her reaction as she listens to her own voice.

Quote of the Day

2011-09-28T07:01:00.001-07:00

"I have 27 nieces and nephews. 11 girls and 11 boys. That's all I'll say. Their names are Ryan, Bryan, Cryin', Fryin', and Sandra the Little Engine that CAN'T!!"

Ramblings on Einigen, Thun, and the Schlössli

2011-09-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

   Einigen is a small farming village, neatly tucked away into the side of a valley that overlooks Lake Thun, in the heart of Switzerland. The village is full of horses, sheep, ducks and fields full of different kinds of grain. Rolling hills grace the countryside, green and lush, full of rain water and bright, warm sunshine. The old folks who have dwelt in the area their entire lives, the ones with a heritage engrained into the very stones and a legacy drawn out of the fertile land, say that the air in this small portion of Schweiz is very thin. After all, it is in that valley- they say- that heaven meets earth. The air would have to be thin for heaven to reach down and so carefully reveal itself to humanity through the sights available for awe and wonder in that blessed place.

     In this community there is a mansion that has settled itself rather comfortably into the hills after one-hundred and thirty-three years of existence. The beautiful building, restored and preserved smiles quietly across the valley, its green shutters mimicking the colors found in the trees and the white, wooden siding echoing the clouds that often roam lazily overhead. This building is called the Schlössli which means “little castle” in Swiss German. Through the Schlössli windows that are decorated with blue, green, and red stained glass, one can peek out into the world and examine the beauty from the view of a nineteenth century, Victorian, Swiss banker who built the place with his own hands. The Schlössli was originally built as a summer home in 1878 where Jules Marcuard and all his family would spend their holidays. Later, his great-granddaughter Jaqueline Roulet felt the tug of God on her heart, prodding her to do something with the place and property since she would receive part of that place as her inheritance. God spoke to her and she prayed. Eventually, because of Jaqueline’s disciplinary habit of praying the mansion, the chalet and much of the surrounding property was combined together and devoted to God and turned into a YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base. Now it seems as though heaven has not only met earth here but almost dwells in this little corner of the world, seen by few and experienced by even fewer.

     Now if you will descend the spiral stairs in the Schlössli, tie on your shoes rather tight, and step outside you really do not know where you might end up. The dirt road is so easily trodden and the backdrop of pure majesty that the eyes are exposed to is so beautiful that you could end up anywhere if you are brave enough to take that first step off the wooden veranda. If I were back in Einigen I would step towards the left and walk until I reached the main road. Then I would skip along the railroad tracks until I found the alleyway with steps going down, down, down to the next level of the of the land. After that, I will have found myself suddenly in a town called Spiez instead of the village Einigen where I would wait for the bus. Climbing onto the long, hulking creature, looking more and more like a great metal caterpillar, I would then sit and wait as we travel from Spiez to Thun.

     Thun is not nestled like Einigen is but it stands out on the other side of the lake, two great medieval castles protruding out very prominently from all the sienna-colored roofs that claim the tops of the houses and shops. Thun has a mixed beauty about it, less natural than Einigen but just as captivating. The people of Thun have learned how to preserve the medieval feel and look of the city- imagine walking on real cobblestone streets with almost no automobiles cruising around- while continuing to culturally and economically advance. Toy shops, music stores, and Swiss-Italian gelato parlors fill the ancient buildings- above and below the roads. Flags from each district hang out across every street and the patriotism is vividly seen in all the décor of the aged city. The place has a quiet air and everyone is content to be quiet. The town bustles but in a sophisticated, orderly fashion. In fact, if you are not paying attention you would say nothing exciting happens in the town of Thun even though it is a place packed with life. I often wonder how the people can live in such an exciting fashion and not live out-loud. This idea takes me back to the gospel. Europe has rejected it- far more harshly than America ever has- and I cannot help but wonder if this attributes to the silent, almost dull and mechanical way that Thun operates. How can so much beauty be so lifeless? Without the voice of God, how can anything- no matter how stunning- have life at all?

   Switzerland is beautiful. I have not seen every square inch so I cannot say all of it is but it is a land graced by God whose people have accepted His earthly gift but not accepted the eternal. The beauty of the land and people and towns almost distracts from the darkness but it remains and when, for a moment, a spiritual light is shown it shines so bright. I plan on traveling back to Schweiz again someday. Perhaps I will be able to shine a little brighter the next time so that the true beauty- the beauty of the Creator- is not lost amid the creation.

The Lord of the Donuts

2011-09-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is a short film that I made with Hannah Paul, Tyler, and Ryan five years ago (2006). We had so much fun creating this and because youtube.com hates me n' stuff I am posting it here. Tada!! Enjoy!

The Midnight Disembowelment!!

2011-09-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Last night...I had a feeling. I knew something wasn't quite right. I ignored the feeling. So I went to bed. THEN I HEARD A NOISE!!! It was the cat. She's crazy.
Well...when I went upstairs to get some water, I turned on the lights and what did I find on the floor?! A little, black, disemboweled mouse. It's guts were everywhere.
I left it and went to bed.
Ick! I hate mice.

Food for Thought

2011-09-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Is anyone's past, present, or future stupidity really a good enough reason to be mean to them?

Midnight Ramble...

2011-09-06T02:06:00.000-07:00

After a long day of (much) homework and other various activities like eating and playing Angry Birds and laughing with friends, I finally settle- ready for school tomorrow- into my bed. As I turn off the big light and switch on the bedside lamp to transition from zombie-brain to dreaming princess (or something glamorous like that), do the first grasps of sleep begin to tickle my brain? No. Words do. Words that I cannot seem to organize until they are already spilling out. Thus the blog post at 2am.
I am thinking about...school.
And people.
And music too.
Between school, people and music I have enough complicated puzzles to last a lifetime. Why do people have to be so wonderful that when you're not with them one experiences loneliness? They can be so lovely that it is almost terrifying. God truly created humans with a strange and grand plan and design in mind.
Why is it that school is so difficult and so easy at the same time? Read, read, read then lectures, lectures, lectures. Read, lectures, lectures, read, WRITE.
Why does music affect us so much? It is simply tones that fluctuate, based in rules upon rules, and yet....they tug and pull at our emotions, seeping and soaking into our minds and hearts- our very souls.
The thing with people, school and music is that all three of those things are invasive and influential. People will influence you whether you like it or not. That influence may or may not change your behavior but you will learn about other people and their experiences and perspective of the world and everything in it. You may meet a bitter person, full of hate or a compassionate person full of a desire to love you. Either way, you are influenced to the point that you form your own opinion about them and may even begin to discern truths about them through observation. Perhaps you'll be hurt by people. After all, we're human so we'll all hurt someone at some point- even ourselves. That is influence that we take to and add into our lives. You know that one person you'll never forget- that one moment when you were vulnerable and they said something meaningful (good or bad). People's influence runs deep.
No school? School is definitely an influence but it's very different. Hopefully you learn from schooling. Whether academically or not, we all pray we would learn.
After a rousing jaunt of a day's events music can allow us to wind down, recharge or simply feel a certain way. I could ramble on but I am finally feeling sleepy and I would rather not make complete and utter horrors grace my blog, only ramblings.
Fare thee well.
Perhaps I shall finish this odd rant another time. (But probably not).

~C

A Fun Little Update

2011-09-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

There are way too many posts where the word "update" has been in the title.

I fail.

I remembered one of the things I learned this summer though! (I love how new things come to mind every day).

I summed it up like this:

Lesson Learned: "Remember, when you want to know 'why me?' it is simply because you were the only one who had enough grace to handle it well. Whether you choose to use that grace is up to you, not your current circumstances."

Now, if we are Calvinists or Armenians we can argue that one up the wall and through the roof, about free will and God's sovereignty and whatnot but it's just plain true. God not only shows us grace but he gives us grace and the ability to choose to gracefully deal with irritating people and uncomfortable situations. Sometimes, when it looks like we're the only one going through...well...crap! we just have to remember that God gave us enough grace to handle the situation gracefully. We just need to trust Him and obey His command to endure faithfully through trials "of many kinds".

I'm Home!!

2011-08-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

First of all, I'd like to say that it's been too long since I've posted ANYWAYS. Also, I've been home for almost three weeks and I still haven't posted?! What the heck. X)
But here I am, saying that my trip to Switzerland (Schweiz) was incredible!!
I will say more when the time comes but for now I'll just share some photos of where I was all summer!!

~C

eHarmony® for Children...!?

2011-06-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, one of my little "babysitees" told me, "When I'm older and I like a boy and we go to different colleges, we'll use Skype!" I chuckled and told her that Skype was a very handy tool. She went on to tell me, "Yeah. With Skype you can tell if he's cheating on you, like if there's another girl sleeping in his bed in the background."

Shocked and astounded, I stared at her. What the heck is this world coming to? What kind of place is it where 10 year olds are more worried about keeping their future boyfriends in line and finding true love on eHarmony® (Not, joking. That's what we talked about next), than reading good books and being silly because they can? What happened to Cat's Cradle and paper fortune-tellers? Why is a mere child already gearing up for a non-existent lover to break her heart? Where is her childhood that she's living? And why in the world is ideal "true love" already labeled as a liar, cheater, womanizer and a disobedient child?

I am still in shock over this small conversation and I don't know what to say except that I am appalled at the embodied messages and ideas that our culture has embedded into the minds of our young people- the next generation! All I know is that I will not form a relationship with a boy, expecting him to ruin it from the very beginning. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I won't be entering a relationship with anything but a man. No boys allowed! In any case, if he's already expected to destroy the relationship, won't that assumption tear it apart? To expect such wretched behavior is nothing short of inviting it. And if it is more than an assumption- if there are valid reasons to be suspicious of a potentially flighty, unfaithful spouse- why is he even being considered as a proper suitor?

Oh, goodness! I don't even know what to think. That's my ramble for the day.

Update

2011-04-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks has been nothing short of insanity. I haven't posted anything for three weeks so maybe it's been the last three weeks that have been so crazy.
To be honest, April has flown by and none too smoothly for that matter. With family growing, friends changing (more/again), an NCFCA regional tournament sprouting out of nowhere (or so it seems), Easter, anniversaries, work, a birthday or two, the general drama of life, trying to grow up, spending and saving money, praying, freaking out and the beautiful grace of God, LIFE has been a bit rocky and here I am still rushing tumultuously through it and trying to stay joyful.
Alas, my attitude has been terrible at times but I am working on this. Me and life don't get along but very well but I must be the mature one and settle things peaceably.
That's my update.
Life and I are fighting and I'm trying to be good.

~C

P.S. btw, the ROYAL WEDDING was last night/this morning. Sweet stuff!!

Helium!!

2011-04-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

Mistakes & Prayer

2011-04-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

You know what? Sometimes we make mistakes. We say stupid words and do dumb things.
What's worse? When we make the same mistake over and over again. It really sucks!
Fortunately, if we allow ourselves to learn, God will teach us how to better live for Him and not screw up the same way next time. I found this picture online and it made me...very sad. Just think about it.

It's a rubber stamp with the words "I sincerely apologize for all the trouble I've caused". How awful would that be? If one was so stubborn that they actually had to make a stamp so they could tell everyone they encountered that they were sorry. That'd be just...sad!
My prayer, daily, is that God would keep my heart soft so that I would not commit the same sins over and over again.
And speaking of prayer. I've been thinking about prayer a lot today. I've discovered that my "happy place", when I feel most alive and free and at peace is when I am praying. Is that weird? No, probably not. But I am always my happiest when I am praying. It's peaceful and fills me with spiritual breath and...whatnot. I don't know.
When I am praying...I feel God's love surround me. When I'm grumpy, I get stubborn and forget to pray.
I must remember to soak myself in God's presence always. After all, he's omnipresent so...He can handle me hangin' with Him all the time.

Dear God, keep me praying continually and keep me from wreaking havoc and sinning the same way over and over.
In Jesus' Name, Amen

Quote of the Day

2011-04-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

"If someone were to harm my family or a friend or somebody I love, I would eat them. I might end up in jail for 500 years, but I would eat them." - Johnny Depp

Trippy Pictures from Apologetics Class

2011-04-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

I got a picture with both teachers! Bwaha!

Valerie Driver made these amazing cupcakes that I personally think were how the word "beautiful" would taste if you could eat it!! They were lovely!!

Kevin and Jason admiring the last cupcake.

Me and Heidi!! ;)

This. Makes. My. Day.

2011-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Me and J.

2011-03-31T13:21:00.001-07:00

Murderer

2011-03-31T10:14:00.001-07:00

Miracle - Paramore

2011-03-30T14:35:00.001-07:00

Optimism

2011-03-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

"Optimism doesn't have to be unrealistic idealism. It just means that you're looking at the world through happier eyes, choosing to be grateful for the good in this world more than you begrudge the bad."

Quote of the Day

2011-03-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

"There are three times a child can do something for his mother: when she asks him, when she tells him and when she does neither. It is up to the child when he helps."

Not Guilty Anymore

2011-03-27T09:17:00.001-07:00

Tea

2011-03-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

There really is something about tea that is incredibly calming, soothing and all around cheery.
I have lemongrass tea with sugar and lime juice. YUM!!

A New Day

2011-03-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

We are weak, little humans. This is not a question. This is definitely a statement. If you want to argue with that, fine but it would be a losing battle. We are weak. That is just the way it is.
That being said, in our weakness we run out of steam very quickly. We can run and run and run for a little while but as soon as we reach a certain point we crash. Then we're at a new low (or so it feels like) where we are rather miserable and pathetic and for a few brief days we're desperate for anything, anything that will cheer us up. Usually we just have to muscle through and cheer up on our own but sometimes- on rare, precious occasion- God throws an incredibly happy, short season upon us and the energy and joy is incomprehensible.
The last two days were like that for me. I had an intensely amazing time just being alive! It was amazing! God did so much! But once again, I woke up this morning, feeling burdened and tired. It doesn't make sense. There could be any number of reasons why but it really doesn't matter. What matters is that God is still good. Even when I'm a grump.
I must remember this fact. This truth. This joy.

2011-03-17T00:38:00.000-07:00

It's after midnight and I can't seem to get to sleep. So I will ramble my thoughts and speculations and share what's on my heart.
Letting go has been the hardest lesson I have been ever-learning this year. And it really sucks. This year hasn't even been around for a full three months and I've already been requested, by God, to let go of three people who were very key in my life. Is that really so hard? I mean, if it's God's will, it should be easier right?
Wrong.
I have come to the conclusion that doing what's right is always harder than doing whatever it is I want to do. Because doing what God requires, means there will be lots of stretching and discomfort involved.
On top of saying goodbye to a few close friends, I have also completely lost a grandfather, been placed on a missions trip that I am so scared to go on, it's not even funny, have been slowly losing hours at work because our tiny store doesn't make enough money, cannot seem to stay organized, hear my family begging for me to spend more time with them (which I want to do because I miss them) and...okay. My brain is starting to shut down....
I don't mean to complain. I really don't. This was leading somewhere... Where was it leading?
I just...wanted to say that...letting go and losing people and saying goodbye..if God calls you to this, know that it is safe and He will take care of you and...okay, now my head hurts.
Everyone have a good sleep and hPublish Postold me in your prayers as I pray for you. And...I don't know. I think I'm dreaming about waffles, pancakes and skittles?
I'm not sure.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

2011-03-15T10:03:00.001-07:00

Psalm 94

2011-03-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

1 The LORD is a God who avenges.
   O God who avenges, shine forth.
2 Rise up, Judge of the earth;
   pay back to the proud what they deserve.
3 How long, LORD, will the wicked,
   how long will the wicked be jubilant?
4 They pour out arrogant words;
   all the evildoers are full of boasting.
5 They crush your people, LORD;
   they oppress your inheritance.
6 They slay the widow and the foreigner;
   they murder the fatherless.
7 They say, “The LORD does not see;
   the God of Jacob takes no notice.”

8 Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;
   you fools, when will you become wise?
9 Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
   Does he who formed the eye not see?
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
   Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
11 The LORD knows all human plans;
   he knows that they are futile.

12 Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD,
   the one you teach from your law;
13 you grant them relief from days of trouble,
   till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not reject his people;
   he will never forsake his inheritance.
15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
   and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
   Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17 Unless the LORD had given me help,
   I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
   your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me,
   your consolation brought me joy.

20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
   a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
21 The wicked band together against the righteous
   and condemn the innocent to death.
22 But the LORD has become my fortress,
   and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
23 He will repay them for their sins
   and destroy them for their wickedness;
   the LORD our God will destroy them.

Song: Jessica's Theme (Breaking the Colt) -The Man From Snowy River

2011-03-06T22:17:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this song! I love it SO much!!

Friendships

2011-03-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

Relationships are hard. They're confusing and a pain and we all have those moments where it seems like being a hermit and living in the mountains, growing a beard down to our toes would be a lot easier than loving people.

Friendships change and adjust and are lost and gained and this can all happen in an instant. Sometimes it is better for you to let go of a friend. Sometimes it is better for them if you let them go. And sometimes, by some great power of God (I think it's called "being God"), both friends know that it is time to separate and move on even if neither of them did anything wrong.

Sometimes you gain those friends back. Sometimes, you never will.

Perhaps you will be life-long friends from a distance or perhaps you will meet again and things will have changed more than you could ever imagine and your own families end up growing up together.

The fact of the matter is that everything is always changing, especially in relationships and we have to be willing to accept that change as life brings it to us. As we grow, our relationships should grow. When you are a child your friendships are childlike and innocent but as you grow up, so do your friends and that is a good thing.

Losing friends is hard. It's a beast to deal with. However, gaining new friends or even restoring an old relationship to a healthy point is fantastic!

When it's time to move on, we must.

When it's time to let go, we have to.

When it's time to give up, what else is there to do?

But never lose hope. Jesus is the Friend of friends and He is closer than a brother to us. If we are all alone with no one in the world, He will still be there. Christ will push you to your limits until you fall off but then He will always catch you. If you're struggling with a friendship (or two), cry out to God. He is the greatest friend of all. He is the only one who will never fail you.

Isaiah 25

2011-03-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

¹ LORD, you are my God;
   I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
   you have done wonderful things,
   things planned long ago.
² You have made the city a heap of rubble,
   the fortified town a ruin,
the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more;
   it will never be rebuilt.
³ Therefore strong peoples will honor you;
   cities of ruthless nations will revere you.
⁴ You have been a refuge for the poor,
   a refuge for the needy in their distress,
a shelter from the storm
   and a shade from the heat.
For the breath of the ruthless
   is like a storm driving against a wall
⁵ and like the heat of the desert.
You silence the uproar of foreigners;
   as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud,
   so the song of the ruthless is stilled. ⁶ On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
   a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
   the best of meats and the finest of wines.
⁷ On this mountain he will destroy
   the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
⁸ he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
   from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
   from all the earth.
            The LORD has spoken.
⁹ In that day they will say,
   “Surely this is our God;
   we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
   let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
¹⁰ The hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain;
   but Moab will be trampled in their land
   as straw is trampled down in the manure.
¹¹ They will stretch out their hands in it,
   as swimmers stretch out their hands to swim.
God will bring down their pride
   despite the cleverness of their hands.
¹² He will bring down your high fortified walls
   and lay them low;
he will bring them down to the ground,
   to the very dust.

Quote of the Day

2011-02-26T17:26:00.001-08:00

"God has huge plans for me. I refuse to let the things of my past to determine the outcome of my future, and I refuse to let the obstacles of the present trip me up and stop me from reaching my goals." - S. Matoon

Love This...

2011-02-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

This is probably one of the most adorable songs I have ever heard. It's an old favorite.

1 Peter 1:7-9

2011-02-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

"These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

XD

2011-02-16T20:52:00.001-08:00

There is just some awesomeness that cannot be comprehended or explained to the extent of how wonderful it is.

What's In a Name?

2011-02-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say that while trying to look for a good character name, I found another name. A name that flooded lost memories into my mind. The name?
Estelle.
I happened to name one of my most evil characters Estelle. It was really strange. I hadn't heard the name or read it anywhere for many months but as soon as I did, I got a thrill. I loved that character. I killed her. She was evil.
That's all.

~C

Thanks!!

2011-02-14T19:07:00.001-08:00

Dear Mystery Valentine-
Thank you so much for the rose, the ring and the pin.
Love, Cori

Happy Valentines Day!!

2011-02-14T07:10:00.001-08:00

(Movie)Quote of the Day

2011-02-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is probably one of the best scripted lines ever to grace a motion picture. Not just because it sounds cool or amazing but because it is so incredibly true. When times get hard, we want to run, hide and give up... and we feel pretty pathetic for feeling that way because we know that the right thing to do is to press on and keep going and trusting God. At the same time, everyone feels like giving up sometimes. We just need to remember where we're headed and what our direction is.... Gandalf sums that up here:

In this scene Gandalf goes on to say, " Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it... And that is an encouraging thought."

Swiss Summer...!?

2011-02-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

A summer in Switzerland? What's all this?
Insanity? Probably.
The good kind? Always.
Yes, folks... I am planning on going to Switzerland this summer. When I attended the Mission Connexion conference/convention, in January, something struck a chord in my heart. I didn't know what it was because I had never felt a longing or an urge to go on a missions trip. Besides, at the time, I was so euphoric about being alive and just being loved by God, that I figured I was just hyped because of that. As the days passed by, though, I felt a stronger and stronger need to apply for a Teen Missions trip. I am still not sure why Teen Missions was the organization that I wanted to get involved with. Perhaps it was because when my own mother was seventeen, she traveled to France with Teen Missions and spent a summer, building a wall. Maybe I was captivated by the people at the conference who talked to me about the different trips they were going on. All I know is that when Tyler and I walked away from their booth, one of the people with the program said, "I hope to see you this summer!" and part of me thought, "Wow. That's actually...a possibility."
After days of praying about it, I filled out the online application and didn't send it in. I wanted to see if I really wanted to do this.
I needed to know if I could afford it. Not only financially but spiritually and mentally and emotionally.
Was. This. The right. Thing?
After a week of pondering, I told Mom that I was seriously considering applying and registering for a trip with TM. I wasn't sure how she would react but I usually gauge God's speaking to me, through her wisdom because I know she will always point me to Christ and His word. When she responded with excitement to the idea, I prayed some more and sent in the application, still hesitant to send in the fee that would actually begin the process of trying to place me with a team.
After another week of waiting and praying uneasily, I finally sent in the registration fee required to process my application and lo and behold! Four days later, I got the phone call.
I had been placed on the Switzerland team!!
Mom and Austin came to the store where I work to tell me and I didn't pick up on any of Mom's hints. (They weren't subtle hints either) When I finally realized what had happened, I went berserk. I've been pretty stoked about it- as well as in shock- ever since.
To sum up... Yes, I'm going to Switzerland for the summer. I will be gone from June 12th to July 30th. I'll be in Florida for boot camp for a week before driving up to New York and getting flown- YES, I SAID FLOWN! ON AN AIRPLANE, PEOPLE!- to the land of the Alps. Then we'll spend a month there, building a wall and evangelizing before going back to Florida to debrief.
All in all, it should be a grand old time of helping people and loving God the best that we can!
The only troubles now are money. (I need about $4,000. Snap!)
Dad and I are working on applying for my passport and whatnot today.
Pray for me!

-C

Watermelon Gum

2011-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Alright, so yesterday I happened to be chewing some gum. Some of you might ask which flavor? Some of you won't really care.
It was watermelon.
I was chewing it and snapping it as soon as I got home from work and then as I babysat, I chewed and snapped and snapped and snapped.
I love snapping my gum. It's loud and fun and it sometimes scares people.
Yesterday, after I came home from babysitting, I was helping my family make dinner when all of the sudden, I realized that my dearest mother- saint of all saintlies- needed a hug. Naturally, I obliged and fulfilled this need by embracing her with warmth and affection. Being a girl, after a hug with one's mother, a sweet peck is usually in order. So I gave her thus. Unfortunately, after kissing the corner of my mother's mouth, I realized that I had been chewing and snapping watermelon gum and had left a microscopic chunk of it, stuck to her lip. As I glanced at her mouth, I could even see the little crumbling of pink gum as she walked away. I could not help but BURST into fits of laughter.
Watermelon gum crumblings from me were on Mom's face. And I was helpless to do anything about it, except for laugh and giggle until it's humor had faded.

cheers!

~C

why

2011-02-05T18:18:00.001-08:00

We often wonder... "Why?"
Why did this happen?
Why did she do that?
Why does it have to be this way?
Why did God allow that?
...Despite the "whys"...there is still a plan.
Always.

Quote of the Day

2011-02-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

"You'll have to get used Dr. Malcolm. He suffers from a deplorable excessive personality."
- Jurassic Park

Happy Thoughts...

2011-02-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

You know when you do what you know is right but you don't know how it will turn out?
...And then things start to work and fix themselves and then it's like, "YESSS!! God is GOOD!"
That happened to me today.

~C

"God Thinks You're Wonderful"

2011-01-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

by Max Lucado

God is Fond of you.

If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

If he had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and he chose your heart.

Face it, friend. He is crazy about you.

By the way, it may be difficult for you to believe that God knows your name…but he does. Written on his hand, spoken by his mouth, whispered by his lips.

Your name.

“I have written your name on my hand.” Isaiah 49:16.

Our hearts are not large enough to contain the blessings that God wants to give. So try this. The next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves your speechless, remain that way. Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for you.”

If we give gifts to show our love, how much more would he? He could have left the world flat and gray…but he didn’t. He splashed orange in the sunrise and cast the sky in blue. And if you love to see geese as they gather, chances are you’ll see that too.

Did he have to make the squirrel’s tail furry?

Was he obliged to make the birds sing?

And the funny way that chickens scurry or the majesty of thunder when it rings?

Why give a flower fragrance?

Why give food its taste?

Could it be he loves to see that look upon your face?

So promise me you’ll never forget that you aren’t an accident or an incident…you are a gift to the world, a divine work of art, signed by God.

You were knit together – Psalm 139:13.

You weren’t mass-produced.

You aren’t an assembly-line product.

You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Crafts-man. He thinks you are the best thing to come down the pike in quite a while.

Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps.

God is for you.

Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled.

If he drove a car your name would be on his bumper.

If there’s a tree in heaven, he’s carved your name in the bark.

Maybe you don’t want to trouble God with your hurts.

But “he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7).

He is waiting for you, to embrace you whether you succeed or fail.

Your heavenly Father is very fond of you and only wants to share his love with you.

Untethered by time, God sees us all. Vagabonds and ragamuffins all, he saw us before we were born and he loves what he sees.

Flooded by emotion, overcome by pride, the starmaker turns to us, one by one, and says, “You are my child. I love you dearly. I’m aware that someday you’ll turn from me and walk away. But I want you to know, I’ve already provided a way back.”

You have captured the heart of God.

He cannot bear to live without you.

God’s dream is to make you right with him.

And the path to the cross tells us exactly how far God will go to call us back (1 John 4:10).

“Can anything make me stop loving you,” God asks. “You wonder how long my love will last? Watch me speak your language, sleep on your earth, and feel your hurts. Find your answer on a splintered cross, on a craggy hill. That’s how much I love you.”

God does more than forgive our mistakes; he removes them! We simply have to take them to him.

You can talk to God because God listens.

Let a tear appear on your cheek, and he is there to wipe it.

He has sent his angels to care for you, his Holy spirit to dwell in you, his church to encourage you, and His word to guide you.

As much as you want to see Him, He wants to see you more.

If you want to touch God’s heart, use the name he loves to hear.

Call him “Father.”

He thinks you’re wonderful!

David

2011-01-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

"So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”"

Who was David?
He was a kid, the youngest son in his family (perhaps the youngest child but girls weren't recorded a whole lot unless they pertained to history so we don't really know), he basically had two main activities that consumed his time: music and sheep.
I mean, this kid was not your typical spoiled youngest child. Oh, no! David was ignored. All his brothers were grown and doing great things (or at least working towards great things) while he was sent out...every day...to watch the sheep. (Probably, anyways. I'm theorizing here.) And he watched the sheep...and watched the sheep...and prayed and prayed and wrote music. He sang and prayed and watched the sheep and beat up animals that were trying to eat the sheep. Not really that exciting, I suppose...except for the killing.
My point is that this kid basically had nothing going for him. No one paid any mind to him. He was just the little guy. He was ignored in his family and since he was the youngest he wasn't that important to the family as a whole.
Then all of the sudden Samuel comes tromping along. Samuel was the country's seer. The priest. THE only prophet guy, available in the entire LAND and he just happens to show up at Jesse's house. (Jesse is David's dad, btw.)
So Samuel shows up, saying that one of Jesse's sons in going to be anointed as the next leader of Israel, which of course has the whole family STOKED!!! But...who is the one who doesn't even hear about it? David. He's just stuck sitting in the field, watching the sheep and singing away while the entire house of Jesse is freaking out, trying to make food for one of the most important people in the country!
After bringing each of his sons before Samuel, Jesse was really confused, because God said no to each of them! He had brought out each son, starting with the best (the oldest) and working his way down. When God rejected every single son, Samuel asked if Jesse had any more sons. Off-handedly, Jesse mentioned his last and youngest son, David, but that he was out in the fields.
Samuel insisted that he be brought before him as well and when Jesse did this, God told Samuel to anoint David as Israel's future king and leader.
Cute little story, eh?
Just imagine being David:
You work hard.
You worship God.
Your life is basically pointless.
Then...BAM!
You're the future king of God's chosen people.
I mean, how crazy would that be?
It goes to show that God always has a plan for you! Even when you're the little guy or if you're the youngest kid or the one who's overlooked because of different reasons. Don't ever underestimate the power of God or His plans. He's got something great planned for you even if you're just stuck with smelly sheep and your harp for now. With patience and grace, you'll be ready to have His plans sprung upon you and you will be able to do amazing things through Christ and for Him. No matter where you're at right now.

Quote of the Day

2011-01-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson

DRAWING

2011-01-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

I drew this:

"SOCKY- A story of a girl and her sock"

2011-01-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, Angie (my cousin who shares a bed with me. DON'T worry, it's a queen sized bed), was sleeping whilst I was indulging on a film on my laptop.

Suddenly, she started kicking me and throwing the blankets on and off of herself.

Now she had told me, in the past, that she could not wear socks to bed because she freaked out.

Unfortunately for me...I didn't believe her.

So, she was spazzing out in bed and I paused my movie, noticing that one of the legs she had jutted out on top of the blankets is socked.
She wasn't wearing a PAIR of socks. Oh, no!
She was wearing ONE sock.
On ONE foot.
And FREAKING out.
I carefully snuck my finger down the back of her foot and started to pull the sock off.

INSTANTLY, she reached out and grabbed the sock, stuffing it back onto her foot.

I scowled and tried to take it off again, this time ripping it off, much like a bandaid.

I chucked it onto the floor and suddenly Angie sat up.

She stared at me with a glazed over look in her eyes, indicating that she was obviously still asleep. Then the last thing I expect comes from her mouth; a whiny, complainish voice that only spoke one word.

Socky.

I stared at her in shock.

"Socky, SOCKY!" she said over and over, "I want my socky!"

I scolded her harshly, telling her that she was not allowed to wear socks at bedtime and she promptly dropped back down onto her pillow and didn't move the rest of the night.

The End

Battlecry

2011-01-13T06:47:00.000-08:00

I am not an innocent bystander.

I am a threat to my enemy.

I am powerful.

I am strategic and bold.

I will not sit idly by.

I will take ground.

I will advance.

I will tear through my enemy.

My enemy will hate me.

I will not avoid the difficulty of the fight.

I will fight.

I will be wounded.

I will be targeted and I will bleed.

I will not tire.

My wounds will be healed.

I will see tragedy.

I will feel pain.

But I will be restored.

My feet will not stumble.

My hands will hold fast.

I will not be intimidated.

I cannot be stopped.

I will stand by my brothers in arms.

I will fight until my last breath.

I will push the limits.

I scale the mountains.

My enemy will cower.

For I serve a great King.

So much to say...

2011-01-12T07:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I've got so many things to say and it's SO much easier to just...speak my words instead of write them all out. Alas and alack, though... The only way to get words on my blog is to write them.
So, there might be multiple posts this afternoon/evening after work or maybe just one really big, long post. We will see.
Writing, writing, writing!!

~C

Quote(s) of the Day

2011-01-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

So perhaps, posting a short dialog is a little nerdy but this brilliance cannot be ignored:

Person #1: "I'm just wondering where, in the fine print, under the job description for ''Hero'', it said looking like a jerk and a fiend was almost definite."

Person #2: "...Probably in the section you skipped...most likely the one titled 'Common Side Effects'."

Person #1: "Problem. I didn't know I signed the contract for this job."

Person #2: "Doesn't that suck?"

Person #1: "How'd you guess?"

Person #2: "Because I know exactly how you feel."

Is it just me or does this sound scripted? How awesome can you get!?

Thought of the Day

2011-01-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

Greatness is not required to pursue great righteousness.
However, a great God is most certainly required. Without Him, everything we attempt to pursue and strive for, means nothing.

A video - I HATE SOUP

2010-12-30T16:56:00.001-08:00

This dude (mrarturotrejo) makes me laugh SO much.

[untitled]

2010-12-29T22:26:00.001-08:00

::head/desk::

Dreams!!

2010-12-28T07:47:00.001-08:00

I had a dream that someone gave me an abundance of money!! Now in the real world it wasn't really an abundance but in dreamland it was a chunk of change!
It was just a few hundred dollars. Don't you wish you dreamed about getting a few hundred dollars handed to you?
Of course...then you have to wake up...

Loving My Job...

2010-12-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

Another reason I love my job is that so many unique people (some with accents) come into the store!! I helped a British lady who absolutely LOVED Snoopy products. I rung up a rather handsome Scottish guy when he was buying a couple of cards. There was a German lady who came into the store with a thick German accent. I EVEN rung up cards for Kurt Schrader, one of Oregon's Representatives. That was only last week!! And yesterday, I even helped a lady named Sandy Dollar. REALLY? Sandy Dollar?! The poor woman!!

Quote of the Day

2010-12-17T11:03:00.001-08:00

"Did no one come to save me just because they missed me?"

Quote of the Day

2010-12-09T07:44:00.001-08:00

"I hope life isn't some big joke... Because I don't get it."

Opening Night

2010-12-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Well, tonight is the first day of the Scrooge Musical that I am in with my brother Ryan.
I am so pumped, it's not even funny.
Yeah. I'm SO excited, I can't even think of anything to say.

Gregory Peck

2010-11-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well, folks... It's high time you learned that I am smashingly in love with Gregory Peck. He has got to be one of the most manly actors ever. He was born in 1916 and died in 2003.
He was a beautiful man.
AND I GET TO DRAW HIS FACE FOR MY FINAL PROJECT IN MY PORTRAIT CLASS!!!!

I drew a rough sketch so that I could take time to get used to his face before starting the project on the high quality paper and it's already starting to look like him!! YAY!!

I'm thrilled.

Webcam

2010-10-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

So today I re-discovered my webcam and how much I love it.

Working

2010-10-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have decided that there are two kinds of employees in this world.

There are your Spongebob employees.

And then there are your Squidward employees.

Now, I personally cannot stand the tv show Spongebob. I think it's stupid. However, I cannot ignore the fact that Spongebob and Squidward are the perfect contrasting workers. Spongebob is a model employee. He is employee of the month year round and his favorite thing to do is go to work. He doesn't even mind being paid in quarters by his cheapskate boss.

Squidward is the exact opposite. The only reason he goes to work is because he needs the money and he's been working there for years so he's staying put. Squidward is always grumpy and complaining about working in general, plus working with Spongebob who is happy all the time.

Since I've gotten hired at the Hallmark store in Oregon City, I've often wondered if my excitement was a little over the top or if my enthusiasm for working was annoying to everyone at home. As I thought about this, I realized that I am very composed and helpful at work and have been spastic about having work at home. Everyone seems excited for me, as well. I thought of Spongebob and how some people find his love of work annoying... but why should they? He works hard and loves it. As an employee, Spongebob- dare I say it?- should be admired.

Squidward could learn a thing or two from his co-worker.

Hopefully as good days and bad days come and go, I can continue to press on with a Spongebob attitude and not slip into a grumpy, old Squidward complainer.

I'm planning on staying optimistic!
Oh, did I mention I have work today!?

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Scrooge, the Musical

2010-10-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hey, guys!! Ryan and I are participating in a musical, originally written by the directors, that is based on Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. We would really love it if you could attend. Ryan plays a small "Lad" in multiple scenes and I am a "Teacher" from Ebeneezer's past.
The audience for each performance is served dessert and is able to enjoy a fantastic show about Mr. Scrooge the humbug, the exhaustedly poor Cratchit family, the joy of giving and the truth about Christmas.
Please join us! It will be a delightful experience!!
You can purchase tickets at Open Bible Church's website.

Above is the flyer. If you can/want to, please print this image and pass these out. This is not only a very grand musical, but it is also an outreach with a pretty strong gospel message.
Hope to see you there!!

~Cori (a.k.a. "Teacher")

Pictures I Like

2010-10-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

I Just Thought I Should Let You Know...

2010-10-20T18:37:00.001-07:00

That I belong in the 1800's.

Formspring!

2010-10-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

You may notice there is a tiny, little box to your right.
Not beside your computer, beside the text that you are currently reading.
It is titled "My Formspring".
This is a little website that allows to to ask me ANYTHING and I will answer it. It's random, kind of entertaining and stuff like that.
Have fun with it.

XD

~C

Announcement!

2010-10-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen!!!!
Don't worry! This is a good announcement!!
I would just like to say that I am officially employed. I'll hopefully get some training days in next week and then start working in a week or two. I am thoroughly ecstatic. I am going to be working at the Oregon City Hallmark store. Hippie!!*
I also have an interview with one of the children's clothing stores at the mall (Justice). You can pray that goes well. Despite the fact that I have a job now, I would like all future job interviews to be good, of course!
Third little tidbit/snippet/glance into my life: Dad was in California for a couple days for a business trip/class thing. His plan will be arriving tonight around midnight. (WHICH MEANS ALEX AND I GET TO GO PICK HIM UP IN THE WEE MORNING/NIGHT HOURS!!!!!!!)
So that's happy.
Plus, church is tomorrow! Hippie!
And musical practice is tomorrow! Hippie!
You do know I'm in a musical, don't you? Heaven's to betsy! I should post show times and ticket prices up here!! I just got the poster thing that someone made for it!!
I'll post that presently and write a post with more information about the musical soon.

Fare thee well!!

~C

*Translation note: hippie = yippee

I would just like to let you know...

2010-10-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

...I love you. Really.
For one thing, you're reading my blog. That's awesome for me.
For another thing... since you're reading my blog I probably know you. So I love you.
Bwaha!!
Thanks for reading and such! I love you all sooooOOooooooOOOOoOooooOOOOOOoooooo much.
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
(Ooh, little hearts!! Yay!!)

There's One For EVERYONE!!

2010-10-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

Love

2010-10-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Ramblings of My Mind

2010-10-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just want time to work and do what I want to do.
But life isn't always what we want it to be.
It's usually better.
Sometimes.
Maybe life isn't what we should be so worried about. Life really does suck. But does that really matter? In comparison to what God is doing for us during our minuscule lifetime?
I mean... even if we can't see what He's doing, He's doing the best things for us.
And...we ought to know that even if we don't see it or feel it.
Right?
Of course.
Doesn't mean it's fun or easy or enjoyable.
Nope, not at all.
Life isn't. And neither is loving God.
Loving God is hard and not fun sometimes because it's confusing and it's not enjoyable when you have no idea how to do what's right in relation to a spiritual being.
At the same time... if you really think about it... Loving Him is a lot easier than enjoying life.
At least, I think it is.
Especially if I can remember to remind myself how far I've come from a week ago... a month ago.... a year or two or five...
If I remind myself where I was then, remembering where God has been there in my life is inevitable.
Mr. Aldrich was kind of saying something like that last week sometime. He said... that we need to be telling people our testimony, not only for their sake so that they know who you are but for your own sake so that you remember...how far God's taken you.
It kind of made me think... I haven't really...talked about the positive things that have come from all the stupid things I've done.
At least not lately.
And...I think that's part of the reason me and God haven't been very...close.
Because I can't remember what He's done for me.
Because I've forgotten to talk about it to someone and remind myself.
It's rather interesting, really. It doesn't seem that hard in words.
Oh, but it's terribly hard!!
And.... that's not bad.
And oh, bother! I'm rambling now. Do forgive me!

Cheers!

Drawing Eyes

2010-10-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now prepared just in case someone ever asks me how to draw an eye.
I will tell them to look at an eye...then draw it!! haha.
Because in all honesty, that's all you can do.

I Just Thought I Should Let You Know...

2010-10-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

That I ate a giant purple lollipop and it was awesome.
Wait, did I already tell you that?

My Day in Pictures

2010-09-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Spec.Op. Mission- Surrender

2010-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

I need to focus on praying more and surrendering my life to God. People always say to surrender to Him and to let things go and let Him take care of things. But they never say how. How do you spiritually, emotionally and mentally let things go? I have no idea.

I'm so stressed about life. There's just too much to worry about. I am so stressed that even after a glorious night's sleep I'm still exhausted. How do I give that to Christ? How?

Money, homework, family, babysitting, finding a 'real' job... I need help doing all these things. I need Him.

I want Him.

I feel dead without Him and I don't know how to surrender to Him.

I am on a mission. A very special mission. I must find out how to surrender and to cast all my cares and to give myself to God.

That is my mission and no matter how long it takes...

I Will. Not. Fail.

Ephesians 5:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Good Words from a Friend

2010-09-27T22:47:00.001-07:00

I am a child of Christ, I can do all things through Him. I am a warrior of God, I can win any battle with His help. I am a creature of the Creator, I am valuable because He made me. No matter what I do, how bad I’ve been or how stupid I am, He will always be there if I call on Him with a repentant heart. There is nothing I can do that will make Him let go of me. I am valuable and He loves me.

Song for YOU!!

2010-09-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

A duck waddled up to a lemonade stand and he said to the man running the stand, he said "Hey!"

*dun dun dun*

"You got any grapes?"

And the man said, "Nope but we've got lemonade and it's fresh and it's cool and it's just homemade. Would you like a glass?"

*dun dun dun*

"No. I'll pass."

And he waddled away. Waddle, waddle!!

Once Upon A Time...

2010-09-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

I drew a cluster of grapes today and wrote the names of the fruits of the spirit all around them. That made me happy.

The Restoration of Israel

2010-09-23T12:45:00.001-07:00

Jeremiah 30

¹ This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD : ² "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. ³ The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their forefathers to possess,' says the LORD."

⁴ These are the words the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah: ⁵ "This is what the LORD says:
" 'Cries of fear are heard—
terror, not peace.

⁶ Ask and see:
       Can a man bear children?
       Then why do I see every strong man
       with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor,
       every face turned deathly pale?

⁷ How awful that day will be!
       None will be like it.
       It will be a time of trouble for Jacob,
       but he will be saved out of it.

⁸ " 'In that day,' declares the LORD Almighty,
       'I will break the yoke off their necks
       and will tear off their bonds;
       no longer will foreigners enslave them.

⁹ Instead, they will serve the LORD their God
and David their king,
whom I will raise up for them.

¹⁰ " 'So do not fear, O Jacob my servant;
       do not be dismayed, O Israel,'
       declares the LORD.
       'I will surely save you out of a distant place,
       your descendants from the land of their exile.
       Jacob will again have peace and security,
       and no one will make him afraid.

¹¹ I am with you and will save you,'
       declares the LORD.
       'Though I completely destroy all the nations
       among which I scatter you,
       I will not completely destroy you.
       I will discipline you but only with justice;
       I will not let you go entirely unpunished.'

¹² "This is what the LORD says:
" 'Your wound is incurable,
your injury beyond healing.

¹³ There is no one to plead your cause,
no remedy for your sore,
no healing for you.

¹⁴ All your allies have forgotten you;
       they care nothing for you.
       I have struck you as an enemy would
       and punished you as would the cruel,
       because your guilt is so great
       and your sins so many.

¹⁵ Why do you cry out over your wound,
       your pain that has no cure?
       Because of your great guilt and many sins
       I have done these things to you.

¹⁶ " 'But all who devour you will be devoured;
       all your enemies will go into exile.
       Those who plunder you will be plundered;
       all who make spoil of you I will despoil.

¹⁷ But I will restore you to health
       and heal your wounds,'
       declares the LORD,
       'because you are called an outcast,
       Zion for whom no one cares.'

¹⁸ "This is what the LORD says:
       " 'I will restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents
       and have compassion on his dwellings;
       the city will be rebuilt on her ruins,
       and the palace will stand in its proper place.

¹⁹ From them will come songs of thanksgiving
       and the sound of rejoicing.
       I will add to their numbers,
       and they will not be decreased;
       I will bring them honor,
       and they will not be disdained.

²⁰ Their children will be as in days of old,
and their community will be established before me;
I will punish all who oppress them.

²¹ Their leader will be one of their own;
       their ruler will arise from among them.
       I will bring him near and he will come close to me,
       for who is he who will devote himself
       to be close to me?'
       declares the LORD.

²² " 'So you will be my people,
and I will be your God.' "

²³ See, the storm of the LORD
       will burst out in wrath,
       a driving wind swirling down
       on the heads of the wicked.

²⁴ The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back
       until he fully accomplishes
       the purposes of his heart.
       In days to come
       you will understand this.

Fall

2010-09-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Fall is here, everyone!! The glorious month of autumn where leaves change and fall and we pick pumpkins and squash and eat corn because we can. It is the beginning of that special season that is so strangely dreary and beautiful outside in the yard, whilst being cozy and crazy inside the house.

It's interesting having a family of 9 (soon t be 10). Six out of those nine people are boys. They are boys with a lot of energy. In the summertime all of their energy had a beautiful outlet called... "THE BACKYARD", but alas, it is fall. That means there is school to do, cold weather outside, and all the energy INSIDE. Which, as I said before, makes for a very crazy household. That is probably one of the reasons I love the fall so much. We've just gotten through the summer and now we're all crammed inside our house, running around like lunatics.

Oh, the glory of fall!

And I haven't even talked about the sights and smells of fall yet. Leaves, fire, pumpkins, candles, frost, smoke, tea, books, soup, bread, movies, writing, drawing, all of this can be so much more enjoyable in the winter when you're stuck in your house.

Rain. There's also rain. Driving in the rain is icky sometimes but on rare occasion, driving alone in drizzly weather with red and orange leaves all around is incredibly soothing and a wonderful getaway from normal life.

This fall seems to be promising. Doesn't it sound lovely?

Cheers.

~C

My Life in Pictures

2010-09-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

This is basically my LIFE STORY summed up in three pictures:

I have to draw WHAT?

Ooh, I'm so proud of me!!

I'm happy FOREVER!!!

The End

And on the sixth day... I went crazy!!

2010-09-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

It is the sixth day since I've been sick. I'm going absolutely batty. Saturday it hit me hard but I pressed on. I was down and out from Sunday... Monday... Tuesday... WEDNESDAY came and I finally felt well enough to go to work (babysit). Thursday came and I felt WORSE again. I suppose I pushed myself too hard the day before (for SHAME). I was determined to work one more day, however so I did. And I was miserable and sleepy.
ANYWAYS, It's Friday now and even though I am physically not perfect, I feel tons better and I am having an awesome day.

Teaching art...

Art classes....

Driving around in the rain.... <3 <3 <3

....Drama workshop... OH, YES!!!

"Today, little brother... Life is good." - Lord of the Rings

Bad Blogger

2010-09-09T14:44:00.001-07:00

I have decided that when I try to blog all those grammar lessons I learned in high school fly out the window.

I apologize.

Also, dear readers, do you think I should get rid of my music player? I have lost the ability to change the music and I think it may be easier if I delete it altogether. What say you?

I am a Hunter

2010-09-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well, folks... I guess it's time to inform you that I'm a hunter. A hunter of what? you might ask. I suppose I should tell you, shouldn't I? Would that be so kind of me? Well, I will inform you that I am a hunter of jobs.
For only have gone hunting for two days I've brought in some hope, which is always refreshing.

I informed the lady at a sandwich shop that I was stubbornly determined to get a job and I was going to keep trying until I get one and she said I would definitely get a phone call.

So, hope remains. I won't waste away into job-less, home-less, life-less oblivion.

You should be so proud of me.

Cheers!

P.S. This made me laugh really hard.

Question of the Day

2010-09-07T07:41:00.001-07:00

How did Adam and Eve sin if they didn't even have a sin nature inside of them?

Going Home

2010-09-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

I'm heading home tomorrow morning and I would just like to say that I'm really stoked about going home. I MISS home so badly. I know I saw my family and I've talked with them and I even visited home for a week but...but now I'll get to go home for keeps. All my stuff will be at my house!
I can't wait to stay up late with Dad and talk and laugh and get in trouble cuz we both need more sleep.
I can't wait... to fight with Tyler. As awful as that is. Not really fight but...y'know...fight. BANTER.
I can't wait to laugh with Mom at less-than average-ly intelligent people. (like I'm one to talk)
I can't wait to laugh at Angie say dumb blonde things and Alex say random things like, "RADISHES!!"
I can't wait to tease Ryan because he loves binary code and his teeth look like Spongebob's.
I can't wait to be totally tackled by J. and I cannot wait for Austin to try and sweettalk his way out of trouble when I'm in charge of keeping him out of it.
I can't wait to eat again. To have real meals where we laugh and giggle about life and food and Great Aunt Eva''s little dog that we all thought was named "Pickles".
Going home... things will be different.
Like in the Lord of the Rings. (I know, I know. "Another LotR analogy? REALLY, CORI!?)
["She calls it 'LotR'? What a nerd."]
ANYWAYS.....When all the hobbits come home to the Shire......everything's different.
They're grown and changed and their home has changed.
And it's not bad.
It's just something that they hyad to get used to.
I think I'm ready for that.
I'm ready to go home and have it be different.
I know it won't be the same place I left it. Because I won't be the same.
And that's okay.
I'm happy to be going home.

Mothers...

2010-08-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

I've learned....so much about love this summer.

What it is....

What it isn't....

How to recognize it....

When it's hard to recognize...

Love is when you're willing to sacrifice for the person or thing that you love. Not only willing but you do. I've sacrifiece a lot this summer.... And yet... not nearly enough to express the love I have for diffferent members of my family. I've learned and tasted what a mother sacrifices for her family. She sacrifices sleep, comfort, her back, sanity, control of what and when she eats, smelling nice, looking nice..... Mother's drop everything.

Good ones, anyways.

And after tasting that....I don't think....I'll look at my mom the same way again. Not after coming home from work and stripping before I got the bathroom door all the way shut because I needed a shower from being thrown up on and smelling like baby poop...

...And my mom has dealt with way more than two babies for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 2 months.

It's kind of like... one of my teachers told us in class that they hated teaching the class because they didn't like to watch us get frustrated and angry with difficult problems to solve. I think it's kind of like that, at least for my mom. She hates her job, as a mother because she's rasing kids teh best she can and watching them fall or get hurt or be disappointed by things in life... But at the same time she would never trade it for anything in the world because of the amazing things that our the product of her sacrifice and effort.

It's worth it.

Even if she doesn't see it all the time.

Mother's really are heroes. Leastways, mine is.

Childcare...and Stuff.

2010-08-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

After a month and a half of watching two babies for 30 hours a week (on average), I have come to the realization that playing mother is hard work and being a mother has got to be even harder. Being a nanny, I've had to develop emotional attachment to the children and they have had to do the same towards me. A biological mother and child have nine months of prep and attachment time. When it's time for them to interact, face to face, it's like they already know each other (at least as much as they can at that point). As a sitter I come in as a stranger and hopefully leave as a friend.
I'm pretty sure I'm leaving as a friend. I am kind of hoping these kids remember me... even though they probably won't.
I love working with the kids and feeding and playing with them but this summer has made me understand that I'm really not ready to have my own children. Not that I was planning on it but you never really think about the possibility until you're put in a similar situation. It is kind of comforting to know I'm seriously not ready for kids when my mom teases about not being able to "wait until she has grandkids". Silly mother.
Personally, I can't wait until I'm an aunt. I can't wait to watch my brother(s) chase around children and beg for my help as their wives pat them on the back and say, "Oh, you can handle it, honey." Maybe that's a mean thing for me to wish but since my closest brother is four years younger than me that probably won't happen before I have my own kids. Hey, but that means I'll have my own husband that I will just pat on the back and say, "Oh, you can handle it, honey."
Actually, I don't really care for the endearment term "honey". Babe, baby, love, kid, dear... Yeah. Um...That was off-topic.
In any case, I'm pretty stoked about what's happened this summer. I planned on journaling and explaining all the things I've learned but the summer's flown by and I haven't. Yet, I don't feel bad. I think I've learned so many profound things to write about them properly. I dunno. I'll be excited to go home, but I think I'll miss being up here as well.
Well, all my nifty one-liners (which there weren't any) and phrases of cleverness (those were lacking) are all gone so I'm gonna' scoot.
BYE!

~C

Latest Post (No. Kidding.)

2010-08-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I don't really have anything to say. I just wanted to post something.

Prayer Please

2010-08-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hey, can you pray for me?
I slept awful last night. Lots of weird and crazy dreams that I do not understand.
Plus, I'm leaving for work a half an hour early. Blahhhh.
Thanks.

I know, I know... I sound pathetic. I'm sorry.

~C

What Am I Holding Onto?

2010-08-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

I often ponder and dwell on the dialog between Frodo and Sam in the film version of The Two Towers. After Frodo freaks out and feels like giving up, Sam gives him a gentle pep talk. He wraps it up by mentioning "...holding onto something". Frodo asks what they're holding onto and this always gets me thinking...

What am I holding onto?

It sounds kind of cheesy to say that I'm holding onto the "good in this world" because there's really not a whole lot of that and even "good" by human standards is nothing really.

As a Christian, I believe that I do have a lot to hold onto. I have a God who is greater than anything else in this world and the very source and reason we have anything pure, good, and holy things.

As Christians, we're holding onto Someone (not something), who has each of our days numbered and holds them in His hands. A Fellow outside of time and space that offers us His love just because He can. We're holding onto Someone who lets us cling to Him when we oughtn't to. Someone who loves us just for the sake of love. Because that's all He has the capacity to do: love. We're holding onto someone who looks at our wretched selves and smiles because He can't wait to love on us. Someone who allows things because that's the best way we can grow to understand His love. Someone who lets bad things happen so that He can be seen all the clearer through the mist and fog of pain and horror and evil of this world. The inventor of good things....family, friends, life, love.... That's what we're holding onto.

That seems like it's worth fighting for. I would fight for someone like that... Wouldn't you? Wouldn't that be worth it?

I often forget that. Do you? It's hard to remember how amazing God is... But our disbelief or forgetfulness doesn't make it untrue.

Remember this truth.

And ask yourself, what is it that your heart is truly holding onto? Is it this great God? Or something less satisfying? I certainly hope it's not the latter.

BY the way...

2010-08-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

I purchased a car this week!!!!

This is my 1997 Honda Accord named "Iggy".